King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 28:6 Mean?

1 Chronicles 28:6 in the King James Version says “And he said unto me, Solomon thy son, he shall build my house and my courts: for I have chosen him to be my son, and I w...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 28 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And he said unto me, Solomon thy son, he shall build my house and my courts: for I have chosen him to be my son, and I will be his father.”

1 Chronicles 28:6 · KJV

Context

4

Howbeit the LORD God of Israel chose me before all the house of my father to be king over Israel for ever: for he hath chosen Judah to be the ruler; and of the house of Judah, the house of my father; and among the sons of my father he liked me to make me king over all Israel:

5

And of all my sons, (for the LORD hath given me many sons,) he hath chosen Solomon my son to sit upon the throne of the kingdom of the LORD over Israel.

6

And he said unto me, Solomon thy son, he shall build my house and my courts: for I have chosen him to be my son, and I will be his father.

7

Moreover I will establish his kingdom for ever, if he be constant to do my commandments and my judgments, as at this day. constant: Heb. strong

8

Now therefore in the sight of all Israel the congregation of the LORD, and in the audience of our God, keep and seek for all the commandments of the LORD your God: that ye may possess this good land, and leave it for an inheritance for your children after you for ever.

Read 1 Chronicles 28 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God's covenant word to David about Solomon: 'And he said unto me, Solomon thy son, he shall build my house and my courts: for I have chosen him to be my son, and I will be his father.' This reaffirms the Davidic covenant (17:11-14) with explicit application to Solomon. The father-son relationship language signifies covenant intimacy and obligation. God's choosing Solomon (bachar - elect/select) demonstrates divine sovereignty in appointing leaders. The purpose - building house and courts - shows God's election serves His redemptive purposes. This points ultimately to Christ, God's chosen Son who builds the true temple. All believers, united to Christ, share in this sonship and building work.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Spoken at David's assembly appointing Solomon (c. 971 BCE), this public declaration established Solomon's legitimacy as chosen by God, not merely human succession. The covenant's continuity through generations showed God's faithfulness despite human frailty.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding your adoption as God's child in Christ affect your identity and purpose?
  2. What part of God's 'house' - the church - are you called to 'build' through your gifts and service?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר1 of 17

“And he said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לִ֔י2 of 17
H0
שְׁלֹמֹ֣ה3 of 17

“unto me Solomon”

H8010

shelomah, david's successor

לְבֵ֔ן4 of 17

“him to be my son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

הֽוּא5 of 17
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

יִבְנֶ֥ה6 of 17

“he shall build”

H1129

to build (literally and figuratively)

בֵיתִ֖י7 of 17

“my house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

וַחֲצֵֽרוֹתָ֑י8 of 17

“and my courts”

H2691

a yard (as inclosed by a fence); also a hamlet (as similarly surrounded with walls)

כִּֽי9 of 17
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

בָחַ֨רְתִּי10 of 17

“for I have chosen”

H977

properly, to try, i.e., (by implication) select

ב֥וֹ11 of 17
H0
לִי֙12 of 17
H0
לְבֵ֔ן13 of 17

“him to be my son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

וַֽאֲנִ֖י14 of 17
H589

i

אֶֽהְיֶה15 of 17
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לּ֥וֹ16 of 17
H0
לְאָֽב׃17 of 17

“and I will be his father”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Chronicles. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Chronicles 28:6 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Chronicles 28:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Samuel 7:13-141 Chronicles 22:9-10Hebrews 3:6Hebrews 4:51 Chronicles 17:11-14Zechariah 6:12-13

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